Virtual Golf: The Perfect Rainy Day Activity for Kids

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When the rain gets relentless and puts a dampener on your outdoor plans, parents face the all-too-familiar challenge of keeping kids entertained indoors. But how about something different, exciting and entertaining, that doesn’t involve a tablet or television screen?

Virtual golf presents a fun alternative for a rainy day, combining physical exercise, skill development and entertainment all in one package. A simulator provides a vibrant, high-energy environment completely unaffected by the British winter; the sun is always shining on the digital fairway.

The perfect indoor activity

Unlike traditional golf, weather-independent virtual golf stands out as an indoor activity for children that combines physical exercise and skill development with entertainment in spades. While it captures the social fun of crazy golf, there is the additional immersive, high tech element that can keep kids moving and engaged for hours. It’s certainly a step above the usual passive screen time, and might just become your family’s new favourite way to spend those inevitable grey days this winter, and even afterwards.

What makes virtual golf special?

Virtual golf simulators are now very common in golf facilities across the UK, to the point where even golf training experts now use them for year-round practice, particularly when the weather becomes so bad that playing the real game proves impractical. However, they are also accessible options for families.

These systems, as described by golf simulator experts Golf Swing Systems, use both advanced camera systems and radar technology to track ball flight precisely and project realistic, detailed courses directly onto a screen. This creates an immersive experience that makes players feel like they’re playing on a real course (almost), and while families can explore this through local venues, the tech is also increasingly budget friendly for the home. So, whether you’re visiting a dedicated facility, or able to use a more compact set up at home, virtual golf is a great source of entertainment when the weather turns miserable.

Golf simulators are so versatile, meaning children who’ve never picked up a golf club before can enjoy themselves as much as experienced players. The instant feedback and visual engagement keep kids focused and motivated, and there’s plenty of games available to kick the boredom.

[Image source: Depositi photos]

Physical and mental benefits 

As well as being a fun and more enthralling option, virtual golf delivers genuine value that parents may appreciate.

• Tests and builds on hand-eye coordination, balance and focus, helping children develop skills in an engaging context
• Encourages concentration and proper technique which builds motor skills that can be transferred to other activities
• Helps teach children the importance of setting goals and expectations, and how to handle both success and disappointment
• Teaches valuable lessons in patience as they work to improve accuracy, with the immediate feedback from simulators helping understand cause and effect
• Encourages perseverance, where adjusting approaches is encouraged to improve next time and build resilience naturally through play

Finding activities that work for siblings of different ages or mixed friend groups can be difficult, but virtual golf is a good universal and inclusive activity for most ages. Younger children can enjoy simplified game modes and colourful graphics, while older kids and teenagers can immerse themselves in more challenging tasks. Simulator systems include adjustable difficulty settings and handicap options, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully regardless of their skill level. This inclusivity also extends to children with varying physical abilities.

Social benefits

Virtual golf is an inherently social and active activity, where parents can play alongside children in an activity that everyone can enjoy. It encourages conversation, friendly competition, and shared experiences and memories between one another. The format is also ideal for children’s social groups, such as a birthday party that feels a bit more ‘grown-up’ and adventurous than soft play or a trip to the cinema.

Planning your next session

Timing is everything when it comes to arranging a game. Kids’ attention spans vary, but allowing a reasonable 45 minutes to an hour for this type of activity will usually suffice. However, if they’re enthusiastic, a longer stint should be perfectly fine. Breaking the session into different sections and modes may be ideal for holding their attention and energy, whatever the length of the session.

Some golf venues welcome families for casual sessions, which are modestly priced compared to other indoor entertainment and simulator-led options. The quality of the experience makes the whole participation worthwhile, with a family of four enjoying an hour of simulation time for less than a cinema trip, and far more engagement and physical interaction.

[Image source: Deposit photos]

Finding a place that hosts virtual golf is relatively easy, and when trying it with children for the first time, remember to start slow and don’t jump right in at the deep end. Many local golf clubs now have simulator facilities for public use while there are some dedicated sim-only venues in some major UK cities, but most will provide a golf club hire service, offering clubs suitable for juniors, whether right- or left-handed. Over time, children who begin to like golf may prefer to bring their own clubs for familiarity.

Spend the first session or two getting them used to the mechanics of the game, especially if they’ve not played before. Before long, if they enjoy it, you can let them jump straight in. You never know, you may kindle a serious love of the sport!

England Golf’s Get into Golf Rookies Virtual programme exists to help younger players get enthused and excited about the game. This gives them access to great quality driving ranges and simulators, with tailored progression paths for almost all age groups, with inclusive support given to them. A worthy consideration if they’re serious about the game.

More than a back-up plan

While a sudden downpour may point you towards your first golf simulator session, virtual golf often evolves into a family favourite. Bridging the gap between high-energy play and skill building, this is a space where parents and children can compete on a level fairway. So, when the weather forecast next looks like dampening your plans, grab your trainers and head to the local simulator. You may just find that the best days for golf are actually the rainy ones.